Environmental Specialist

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Natural Resources Project Biologist to support projects through assorted field and desktop responsibilities related to natural resources. The role will support a wide variety of project types for various industry sectors and will be involved with all facets of the project lifecycle: due diligence, environmental impact assessments, permitting and construction compliance. Primary role responsibilities include conducting biological field surveys, pre‑ and post‑field data processing, management and reporting;

supporting new project opportunities through the proposal process; and contributing to the preparation of technical reports, permit applications, and other related documents. The ideal candidate will bring demonstratable technical field survey expertise in the greater Southwest US region with a desire to further hone technical writing skills, proposal development skills, and task management/field leadership responsibilities as a biological resources consultant.

This is a regular, full‑time position with the opportunity for overtime, supporting projects throughout the Southwestern US. The role will support both field and desktop‑based tasks, depending on business needs. The position is eligible for remote employment but requires candidates to be located within the Southwestern US region.

• Work independently or as part of a team to conduct wildlife studies, wetland/water jurisdictional delineation surveys, vegetation mapping and general biological resources site assessments.
• Participate in pre‑field planning and post‑field data analysis, processing, and management in support of technical report preparation under the direction of the project’s Environmental Task Manager.
• Utilize desktop resources and other digital tools (topographic maps, aerial photographs, etc.), industry‑related GPS‑based field data platforms/software (Field Maps, Survey
  123, etc.) and other tools for the preparation and execution of field studies.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports associated with the data collected in the field.
• Collect and maintain accurate field reports and data logs using digital forms and collaborative databases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Environmental Team as needed.
• Read, analyze, and interpret industry protocols, technical reports and procedures, and government regulations regarding natural resources (state and federally listed species, agency‑specific special status species, and state and federally regulated wetlands and water bodies).
• Work well as part of a field team (including subconsultants).
• Conduct field work safely and efficiently, following health and safety protocols. Training will be provided for all project‑specific safety topics.

• Extensive biological resources field survey experience in the Southwest, including focused surveys, habitat suitability assessments for common and special‑status plant and wildlife species, and wetland/water jurisdictional delineations.
• Minimum 5 years routine experience performing biological surveys and wetland/water field studies for private or public sector projects in the environmental consulting industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of accepted field assessment protocols for habitat suitability/quality and site condition documentation.
• Proficiency with GPS units and electronic data forms (cell or tablet) to collect, organize, and manage data.
• Familiarity with relevant Federal, State, and local regulations, including Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, and Clean Water Act permits.
• Strong knowledge of Southwest US flora and fauna, especially state and federally listed special‑status species.
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 50%) and hike long distances (up to ~10–12 miles/day) in a variety of terrains for extended periods while carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working on active construction sites in the presence of construction crews.
• Excellent written and verbal…